Meditation on Motion

Individuals with Heart Problems Too Can Practice Tai Chi

Maintaining cardiovascular health should be the number one priority for individuals undergoing stenting or having a heart attack. Cardiac rehab programs are an excellent way to fulfill this requirement. Sadly, not too many doctors recommend their patients to enroll in such programs and also, more than 60% of eligible patients themselves don’t choose to attend such cardiac rehabs. Other contributing factors for such negative response include time, travel, expenditure and the exercise part that some people find it too tiring. For such people, the Chinese practice of tai chi is the best alternative as it not too stressful physically and helps to reduce overall stress. There are others methods to reduce stress levels and stay relaxed and to more about them, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.

Gentler Alternative to Heart Health
Tai chi is a gentle exercise form that includes a series of flowing movements and breath awareness. Around 29 people who refused to take up traditional form of cardiac rehab were signed into tai chi classes twice a week for three months (lite group) or three times a week for six months (plus group).

Apart from the mild muscle strain that was experienced at the start of the program, tai chi was 100% safe and reliable. Each of the individuals attended two-thirds of the classes and were eager to recommend it to a friend. Some various advantages of tai chi include:

• Lowers blood pressure. Read more on the current blood pressure rates and their effects on human body at www.firsteatright.com.
• Boosts energy levels of individuals who tend to be tired or weak due to the heart’s diminishing ability to pump blood.
• Most of all, tai chi invokes the spirit in those individuals who are reluctant to exercise to become active.
• Also, individuals on a cardiac rehab program benefit from the diet coaching and medicine management.
• Improves breathing efficiency
• Reduces stress and improves psychological well-being
  
  

Tai chi combines physical activity, stress reduction, regulates emotions and improves breathing efficiency. The subtle, more adaptable nature of tai chi makes it the best exercise solution for people across all age groups and health levels, including those with an existing heart condition.
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As you start practicing this art form, you will slowly start reaping its benefits. Set a goal of practicing tai chi for at least one-two hours every week by attending classes along with home sessions for at least 150 minutes a week. Being a fun-filled and adaptable exercise form than cycling or running on the treadmill, any individual who takes up tai chi is sure to stick to it for a long time.